5. In the event of local religious festivals, unforeseen circumstances and /or bad weather condition, the sequence of the itinerary may be changed or alternative sites substituted in without prior notice and/or at short notice in order to ensure smoother journey and tour.

6. All hotel rating is based on local standards. In the event that accommodation in the stated hotel is unavailable, it will be replaced by another hotel of similar standards.

7. The sequence of the itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.

8. Room type are based on run of the house and allocated by respective hotel. ASA holiday will not be responsible for the difference of the room allocated. Triple room are based on Twin room plus one roll in foldable bed.

9. All bookings will be subject to terms and conditions as stipulated in brochure & ASA booking form.

10. Tours is conducted in English or Mandarin speaking guide.

11. During major events, accommodation may not be in the city mentioned.

12. Flight timing are subject to change with or without prior notice.

13. In the event of discrepancies between English and Chinese itineraries, please refer to English itinerary.

14. ASA will not take any responsible for the risk of any activity that status in our itinerary.

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Transfer to hotel.

Meals On Board

Day 2KATHMANDU

After breakfast, Visit Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It is also known as Buddha’s eyes temple or Monkey Temple. There are giant pairs of eyes staring out from the four sides of the main tower. These are Buddha Eyes (Wisdom Eyes), and they look out in the four directions to symbolize the omniscience of a Buddha. The Buddha eyes are so prevalent throughout the country that they have become a symbol of Nepal itself.Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square Temple of Living Goddess (Kumari), Durbar Square. One of the Sites. Square was surrounded with spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The Royal Palace was originally at Dattaraya square and was later moved to the Durbar square. Visit Patan Durbar Square also known as the "ancient capital of fine arts". There are 136 large and small Buddhist temples, and 55 multiple roofed Newari Style temples. It is believed to be the oldest Buddhist city in the world. In the evening, enjoy the traditional Nepali dinner with culture show.

After breakfast, Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square This ancient city is also known as "Bhadgaun". Due to its far away location from intrusion by northern races, monuments here are well preserved. This is the third largest city in Nepal (UNESCO list of protection). Upon arrival visit group of monuments like Peacock Window, Dattatraye Square, Durbar Square, Golden Gate, Palace with 55 windows, Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square and other historical sites. Thereafter we proceed to Pashupatinath Temple one of the holiest site for Hindus. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, responsible for “destruction”. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premise, but one can view it from opposite platform or gate. The main temple building consists of three-tiered golden roof. The Bagmati River that flows outside of the temple is known as the “Ganges of Nepal”. The platforms on the bank of river situated below and opposite side of the temple, known as “Ghat” is the cremation ground. After lunch, drive to Nagarkot which is about 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu and is about 2,100 meters above sea level. When the weather is clear, one can view beautiful snow-capped mountains and landscapes. If the weather is clear, enjoy sunrise over snow-capped mountains.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4NAGARKOT - KATHMANDU / PARO - THIMPHU

After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu Airport fly to Paro, welcome to Bhutan and your first day in the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon! Arrived Paro and head to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival visit Buddha point (Kunsel Phodrang) It is gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue constructed in the mountains of Thimphu. The Statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha Statues. After lunch, visit Memorial Chorten., this large Tibetan – style chorten is one of the most visible religious structure in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, you will find lots of Bhutanese people circumambulate around and chanting the mantra ‘’OM MANA PAMA HU’’. Visit Takin Zoo, which is Mini Zoo wild life reserve area for Takin, the National animals of Bhutan. Before dinner, proceed to an interactive ‘’LIVING MUSEUM’’ - Simply Bhutan where you can learn Bhutanese traditions & experience National Sport of Bhutan Archery and taste the Bhutan Local wine ‘’ARA & BUTTER TEA’’.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5THIMPHU – PUNAKHA - THIMPHU

After breakfast visit General Post Office, where you can make your own stamps with your own photos and also visit Bhutan Postal Museum the main objective of the museum is to tell the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the lens of the evolution of communications and the postal system in the Bhutan. The story is also told through anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of the stamps that country has produced over the year. After post office drive to Punakha from Thimphu crossing the Dochula Pass - This Pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens - with 108 Stupas built by the Queen. In clear weather, you can see the Himalaya Ranges with All snow covered. A short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) a gentle walk thru beautiful farm houses and vast plains of rice fields. The monastery is dedicated to the Divine Madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kinley. The temple is regarded as a sanctum of fertility and most childless couples usually make a visit to this temple to seek the fertility blessings. Visit the Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Drive back to Thimphu to have dinner.

Breakfast / Lunch (River Picnic Lunch) / Dinner

Day 6THIMPHU – PARO

After breakfast, visit Tashichho Dzong a fortress and Buddhist monastery with a distinctive Bhutanese architectural design. It is the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the civil government, and houses the offices of the current king. After lunch drive to Paro, upon arrival visit Kyichu Lhakang, the first and oldest temple of the Bhutan, also famous Hong Kong actor Tony Leong wedding ceremony held here Than drive to Paro valley and visit Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong, this 15th century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the dzonkhag. Tonight, we welcome our guests with the most solemn welcome ceremony in Bhutan - Yak welcome dance before the Christmas Gala Dinner start. You can experience trying of Bhutanese traditional Costume Gho & Kira.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7PARO

Today Journey of Life time, take a mountain hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Temple), the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called Tiger’s Nest. Precariously perched on the edge of 1,200-meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. If time permits, we will visit Paro Town Shopping Street. (Optional Pony Ride USD40 per person, please note that please wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots. Not recommended for pregnant women and those with health condition visitors)

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8PARO / KATHMANDU / SINGAPORE

Visit Ta Dzong - Built as a watch tower was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Bid farewell to Paro transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu, upon arrival proceed to Thamel Street the most popular street in Nepal. Here souvenirs of various styles and antiques and costumes filled with Indian or Tibetan flavor can be found. Thereafter visit Boudhanath, this temple is also called as Small Eye Temple which is full of myths and blessings that all your wishes will be fulfilled. It is also an important part of Tantric Buddhism of Tibetan origin. After Dinner bid farewell to Nepal, transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your flight fly back to Singapore.

Visa

All nationalities require a visa for entry to Bhutan, except Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport. Visas must be obtained in advance.

You must provide at the time of booking with your full name, sex, date of birth, nationality, passport number & date of issue / expiry, plus a scanned copy of your passport.

Weather

WEATHER

High Season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)

The weather is ideal in spring and autumn. Book flights well in advance; accommodation options can fill up.

Himalayan views are best in October, while rhododendron blooms peak in March and April.

Shoulder Season (Dec–Feb)

Bhutan has seasonal tariffs so there'll be fewer tourists and good savings to be made by travelling outside the high season.

The weather is still pleasant, though it can be cold in December and January.

Low Season (Jun–Aug)

Monsoon rains and leeches put an end to most treks, although high-altitude flowers are at their peak.

Tipping

Guide & Driver service charges - USD6.00/day/pax

Useful Info

LANGUAGES OF BHUTAN

"Dzongkha", one of the Tibetan family of languages is Bhutan's national language. English is commonly spoken in main towns and also it is the medium of education in schools throughout the country.

ELECTRICITY

All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.

It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination. Our energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.

MONEY

Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country.

Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard.

In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.

Cash and Travelers Cheques exchange facility is available for most of the main currencies including the US dollar, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, Thai Baht, Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Danish kroner, Norwegian kroner, and Swedish kroner. Exchange rates vary

However you should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions as in some area photograph/filming is not permitted.

You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens in particular.

SHOPPING

Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. Other items you may be interested in are the exquisite Buddhist thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s wide array of colourful and creative postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.

CUSTOMS

The following articles are exempt from duty:

(a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor

(b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)

(c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%

(d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use

(e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use

You have to complete the passenger declaration form at your port of entry.

Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.

If importing any items to Bhutan which are for sale or gift, they may be liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to fill out a departure form, which will be asked for by Customs authorities.

Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:

(a) Arms, ammunitions and explosives

(b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs

(c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species

(d) Antiques

Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.

CLOTHES AND OTHER PARAPHERNALIA

With great altitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions.

Bhutan expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.

TIME

Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT

PRECAUTIONS

Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.

Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water.

Also, Bhutan has a duty to protect its citizens from drugs and tobacco products. To do this we need your help and cooperation. Please co-operate if stopped and asked about your baggage. Please do not carry tobacco goods in excess of the set limit. For more information please see following link. Tobacco Control Act.